Spring Nutrition Tips

During winter, we rest within and allow our bodies to rebuild. As spring approaches, however we are called to begin stirring. It is time to gently and carefully pop our heads above ground like the crocuses, and do a bit of evaluation. Yes, spring cleaning is upon us once again. It’s time to begin planning how you would like to release stagnant winter energy and garden variety toxins. As always, I have a few suggestions.

The first day of spring is March 20th. In Kansas it is ideal to do a spring cleanse early in the season, rather than in late May or June. The weather should be warm, no snow or ice, but not hot. The weather being as unpredictable as it is, it is even more necessary to not plan too far ahead. Instead, rely on your instincts, what your schedule allows and have flexibility to act when a window of opportunity arrives. Spring cleanses focus on the organs of filtration, the liver and gallbladder, both of which carry emotions of anger, fear and worry. The liver is so vital to our wellbeing that many ancient cultures believe the soul resides there.

There are as many ways to detox as there are individuals, so please make sure that the one you choose is appropriate for your needs. (As with any health endeavor, consideration must be given to your current physical condition, medications and supplements being taken, and recent illnesses or medical procedures. Consult with a qualified health care practitioner before embarking on even partial fasts, as complications from rapid detox, medications or illnesses can occur. I do not recommend pregnant or nursing women perform a detox of any kind.)

Consider these options:

• Do a partial fast, consuming only raw fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, juices, herbal teas and lots of pure water. (See spring food guide for the best fruits, veggies and herbs to eat.) Partial fasts are gentle, generally safe under supervision for those with blood sugar issues and can be done while working. If you are new to fasting or consume processed foods regularly, start with a 24 hour fast. Experienced fasters or those doing maintenance cleansing can go up to 7 days.
• Juice fasts are appropriate for individuals without blood sugar irregularities or those who are certain they are not pregnant. It is best to use organic produce when juicing as the contents of the fruits and veggies are concentrated when juiced. Any juicer will do. To get the most nutrients and enzymes from freshly juiced produce, consume it immediately after preparation. If you are unable to juice on your own, or want a support juice while at work or school, try Kagome brand fruit/veggie juice blends. They are designed for health and taste, travel well and can be found at Dillon’s or any health food store. Drink plenty of pure water along with the juices, and herbal teas as appropriate. 2-4 days on this fast will do significant good.
• Specific organ/system cleanses are helpful for those who have struggled with a condition which is either unresolved or recently resolved. Determining the right medicinal foods, and sometimes which organ or system needs to be addressed, can require some assistance as things are not always as they seem, i.e. a long winter of respiratory issues requires lung strengtheners, but also intestinal cleansing to build immunity. Since the liver and gallbladder are spring’s organs, focus a cleanse on them. The Master Cleanse Lemonade Diet or liver flush diets are very beneficial, but generally require at least a long weekend to undertake.
• An in-season-only food fast is one in which you only eat seasonal fruits, veggies, grains, herbs, dairy/eggs (if appropriate), and abstain from all processed foods, coffee, refined sugars, and meat. This is the safest and gentlest form of cleanse and can be done for as long as you are comfortable.